Dreamgirls
by Wonder Theatre
May. 20 (2019)
A sweeping and inspirational journey through 20th century American popular music, DREAMGIRLS chronicles one Motown group’s rise from obscurity to superstardom. Through gospel, R&B, smooth pop, disco and more, DREAMGIRLS explores themes of ambition, hope and betrayal, all set in the glamorous and competitive world of the entertainment industry.
Woodlawn Theater holds open auditions for every production. Everyone is welcome to audition, per each production’s specifications. Updated audition information will be posted here as soon as it becomes available. Questions? Email us at info@woodlawntheatre.org.
Dreamgirls Auditions – April 29th, 30th and May 20th at 7 pm
Dance audition will begin promptly at 7 pm, singing auditions will follow. Actors should prepare 16-32 bars from a song appropriate to the style of the show. Please bring sheet music; an accompanist will be provided. No tracked music or a cappella singing will be allowed. No need to sign up for an audition time, just show up a little before. Please bring a head shot and resume if you have one. Auditions are only for ages 16 and up. Performers 18 and up will receive a small stipend for being in the show.
Rehearsals begin July 15th. Show runs Aug 23 – Sept 15. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3 pm. Missing performances will not be allowed.
Dream Search SA
Woodlawn Theatre is conducting a local talent competition to cast the lead roles for Dreamgirls. Please note that if you are auditioning for one of the leads in Dreamgirls, you are “entering” yourself in Dream Search SA and will be participating in the Final round of auditions consisting of a live audition performance in front of an audience and judges from Woodlawn Theatre and The Renaissance Guild on June 3rd.
Director: Tim Hedgepeth
Choreographer: Michelle Pietri
Music Director: Darrin Newhardt
Character Breakdown
EFFIE WHITE
African American. 20’-early 30’s. The plus-sized lead singer of the group with a HUGE voice and a Diva attitude to match. Belt/Soprano – low F (below the staff) to high C.
DEENA JONES
African American. 20- early 30’s. The beautiful back up singer who is thrust into the lead for her marketable looks and her creamy vocals. Belt/Soprano – low F (below the staff) to high A.
LORRELL ROBINSON
African American 20’s The youngest back up singer who falls in love with Jimmy Early she is the heart of the group. She should have a funny sense of humor. Belt/Soprano – middle C to high Bb.
CURTIS TAYLOR JR.
African American 20- 35. The cutthroat manager of the Dreams, willing to do whatever it takes to make his DREAM come true. High Baritone – C to G (above middle C).
JAMES “THUNDER” EARLY
African American Late 20’s-40’s a Wild entertainer who is a cross between Little Richard and James Brown. He ‘gots’ to have SOUL! Tenor – belt to Bb and strong falsetto to D.
C.C. WHITE
African American 20’- early 30’s. Effie’s soft-spoken younger brother C.C. (Clarence Conrad) serves as the main songwriter for first the Dreamettes. Tenor – sweet sound – up to Bb.
MICHELLE MORRIS
African American 20- early 30’s. Effie’s replacement when she gets fired. Belt/Soprano – low A to F.
MARTY
African American 30-50. Jimmy’s old school manager until he quits because of Curtis and then he helps Effie make a come back. Baritone – up to G.
ENSEMBLE of male and female (African American/Muticultural/Caucasian) singer/dancers to play various supporting roles: must be strong singers and move very well. All ensemble members should possess unique and vivid personalities and have the ability to play a wide variety of characters. Stepp Sisters, Lil’Albert and the Tru-Tones, and Tiny Joe Dixon, Dave and the Sweethearts will be cast from this ensemble.